Pharmacophore an International Research Journal
Atuna racemosa is a fruit-bearing tree popular in Asia and Polynesia for its medicinal uses. Traditionally, the inner bark of the plant is used to treat hypertension and severe abdominal pain. This study was conducted to determine the phytochemical components, antimicrobial properties and antioxidant properties in the ethanolic extract of the inner bark of the plant. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids, and the absence of anthraquinones and cyanogenic-glycosides. Through the DPPH assay, the inner bark extract showed antioxidant potential. The antibacterial assay showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis UPCC129, Staphylococcus aureus UPCC1142, Escherichia coli UPCC1195, Klebsiella pneumoniae UPCC1360, Salmonella typhimurium UPCC1368, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa UPCC1244. The biochemical components in the plant extract determined by GCMS analysis and identified by comparison with the reference standard found in the NIST library showed the compounds have antimicrobial, antioxidant and other biological properties. These results enhance the medicinal value of the plant as a potential source for pharmaceutical drugs and therapeutics.
